Customs officer on drug import charges

A CUSTOMS officer who allegedly conspired with a baggage handler to smuggle drugs into Australia will remain behind bars following a Sydney court hearing.

Paul Valsamakis, 40, is charged with three counts of conspiracy to import commercial quantities of pseudoephedrine, two counts of receiving a bribe, two counts of abusing public office and one count of inciting robbery.

The Sydney man is one of five men who have been charged over the alleged importations of the drug pseudoephedrine - used to make the drug ice - in March and June last year.

The men, including two customs officers and a former baggage handler, were arrested as part of an ongoing Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into a sophisticated drug syndicate operating out of Sydney Airport.

Police allege the customs officers directed resources and monitored CCTV to help the baggage handler take drug-loaded suitcases from planes and off the airport precinct.

Police seized about 40 kilograms of the drug, capable of making an estimated $9.5 million worth of ice, from the final importation on June 6.

Valsamakis did not apply for bail, which was formally refused on Thursday in Sydney's Newtown Local Court, where he was remanded to appear in Central Local Court on April 13.

The AFP said it believes the corrupt activity is confined to Sydney and does not involve other Australian airports.

It comes after Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare last year announced the establishment of a reform board to clean up the customs service.